Congress and Representation

Delegate Model

A representative who sees themselves as an agent of those who elected them and will vote on issues based on the interests of their constituents

Trustee Model

A representative who will vote on issues based on their own knowledge and judgement

Politico Model

Uses a combination of trustee and delegate role conceptions

Gerrymandering

Redrawing of congressional districts with the intent to create undue advantage for a political party

Majority-minority District

An electoral district in which a racial or ethnic minority group makes up more than 50% of the population

Cloture

A procedure to end a debate

Filibuster

A tactic to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill

Speaker of the House

Elected by a majority of House members and presides over the legislative work in the House

Majority Leader

The chief spokesperson and strategist for the political party that holds the majority in either the House of Representatives or the Senate

Minority Leader

The chief spokesperson and strategist for the political party that holds fewer seats in either the House of Representatives or the Senate

Whip

A party leader in Congress responsible for counting votes and ensuring that party members vote with the party leadership

Committee Chair

The member of Congress from the majority party who leads a congressional committee and controls its work

Power of the Purse

Congress’s constitutional authority to tax, spend, and allocate federal funds

Oversight

Congress’s power to monitor, investigate, and supervise the executive branch to ensure laws are properly implemented